As flagship VF 8 fashions proceed to make their method over to North America, Electrek was invited to VinFast’s first media drive occasion and I used to be one of many first to expertise the restricted run Metropolis Version SUV. Whereas there’s definitely room for enchancment, VinFast is off to a promising begin with the VF 8 – under are my ideas.

Background and first impressions of the VinFast VF 8

Since we first began overlaying VinFast again in 2021, the VF 8 has been a flagship mannequin on our radar. It initially debuted within the US on the LA Auto present because the VF e35, however was rebranded a yr later to the mannequin title we acknowledge at this time.

We’ve had loads of different VinFast information to cowl within the two yr plus span for the reason that VF 8’s debut, together with plans for US manufacturing and an IPO that seems nearer than ever. This previous fall, VinFast efficiently delivered its first batch of VF 8 SUVs to the US, though buyer deliveries had been initially delayed as a consequence of some software program points (extra on that later).

So far, VinFast has delivered the Metropolis Version of its VF 8 SUV to clients in California and Vancouver, whereas we await deliveries of Normal model whose cargo boat simply reached the Benicia Port, close to San Francisco.

Earlier this week, I used to be one of many lucky media personnel to be invited to VinFast’s first US drive occasion and expertise the Metropolis Version of the VF 8. Right here’s what the SUV is packin’.

VinFast VF 8 specs and pricing

Let’s begin with pertinent particulars so that you’re properly versed in VinFast’s first mid-size SUV inside and outside earlier than you hear my impressions. As I beforehand talked about, the EV at the moment exists in two iterations – Metropolis Version and Normal. Of these editions, the VF 8 is available in two obtainable trims – Eco and Plus.

Because the Normal variations aren’t but obtainable within the US, I used to be given a VF 8 Metropolis Version Plus for the day to cruise round Southern California. Listed below are some essential specs pertaining to the configuration I drove:

• Motors: Twin motor (150 kW)
• Max Energy: 300 kW
• Max Torque: 620 Nm
• Max Velocity: 124.3 mph
• Acceleration (0-62mph): 5.5 seconds
• Battery capability (usable): 82 kWh
• EPA vary: 191 miles
• Charging time: 10-70% in below 24 minutes
• Charging charge (onboard): 6.6-11 kW
• Peak DCFC charge: as much as 160 kW
• ADAS: Degree 2 (Freeway help, Lane maintain help, and so on.)

As you may see, the specs listed here are respectable, however nothing to essentially drool over. That being stated, that is the Metropolis Version, of which VinFast solely produced 999. The incoming Normal VF 8 is touting higher specs for certain.

Whereas the Metropolis Editions are powered by Samsung battery cells, the Normal model options chemistry (cobalt manganese) from CATL, whose cells ship higher vitality density in a barely bigger pack (88.7 kWh vs. 82 kWh). We truly simply bought the official EPA ranges whereas we had been on the occasion, which we’ve included under.

Right here’s how the 4 completely different VF 8 will break down side-by-side:

Trim Degree	Powertrain	Energy	EPA Vary	Base Worth (MSRP)
VF 8 Eco (Metropolis Version)	AWD Twin Motor	348 hp (368 lb-ft)	207 miles	$49,000
VF 8 Eco (Normal)	AWD Twin Motor	348 hp (368 lb-ft)	264 miles	$49,000
VF 8 Plus (Metropolis Version)	AWD Twin Motor	402 hp (457 lb-ft)	191 miles	$56,000
VF 8 Plus (Normal)	AWD Twin Motor	402 hp (457 lb-ft)	243 miles	$56,000

A little bit dear in comparison with comparable fashions out there, however aggressive nonetheless. An enormous perk that US customers will love for my part, is the guarantee VinFast is delivering with the VF 8. The EV itself comes with a 10-year, 125,000 mile guarantee. Higher but, the car’s battery will get a 10-year, limitless mileage guarantee, and people ensures observe the EV, which means a second or third proprietor nonetheless qualifies in that ten yr interval.

Sufficient concerning the numbers although, let’s hop inside and discover what this EV has to supply.

Driving impressions inside and outside

Discover something distinctive concerning the dashboard? That’s proper, no instrument cluster. This was a primary for me and after almost 20 years of driving, I discovered my eyes subconsciously diverted to the speedometer that wasn’t there.

As a substitute, the car’s pace and different pertinent particulars can be found to view on the left aspect of the middle pill’s display. This took some getting used to for certain. The saving grace was the VF 8’s head-up show (HUD) which was unbelievable for my part. I didn’t even discover it at first as a consequence of my polarized sun shades, however abruptly noticed it and was so elated, since there was no cluster behind the steering.

I used to be in a position to regulate its place and brightness and clearly see it in the course of the sunny climate round San Diego (I attempted to get an image of it for you seen above). General, I discovered the cockpit roomy and its design intuitive. Each toggle or button I anticipated would do a sure operate did so, so I instantly felt at house within the EV.

The design of the UX was additionally straightforward to navigate, though it was a little bit of a ache to must maintain choosing the principle menu then the Apple CarPlay icon to get again to my navigation. That stated, bluetooth connection by means of wi-fi CarPlay was seamless, even after turning the EV on and off.

I believe VinFast has a superb spine of software program within the VF 8, however there are some very blatant bugs within the system. In the event you look intently at a few of my footage of the show above, you’ll discover a number of icons lit up that shouldn’t be there.

For example, the entire time I used to be driving, the EV stated I used to be in park. Flip sign icons remained illuminated though the blinker wasn’t activated and at one level, I used to be advised my seatbelt wasn’t on when it clearly was. An OTA software program patch ought to repair these minor points pretty shortly I’d think about, however that ought to undoubtedly be achieved earlier than these automobiles attain extra drivers.

As for the general drive of the VinFast VF 8, I used to be pleasantly stunned at how sporty it was, even in Regular mode. On paper, its acceleration occasions are mediocre, however it felt so much speedier on the highway. I actually loved Sport mode – I discovered it very “free” for a mid-size SUV and had loads of enjoyable whipping round curves as much as Lake Hodges close to Escondido.

Regenerative braking was respectable for my part, however you all know I prefer it stiff. The VF 8 is unquestionably not a one pedal driving EV, so you’ll need to make use of the brake typically. My largest qualm with this car was the dearth of brake lock when stopped.

I used to be shocked the primary time I ended at a lightweight on a hill and got here to an entire cease, after I took my foot off the brake I instantly rolled backward like I used to be driving a handbook transmission. At this level with EVs, I’m used to coming to an entire cease and with the ability to take away my foot from both pedal. That roll again within the VF 8 is one thing I consider VinFast ought to amend instantly.

Listed below are another fast ideas:

• I cherished the panoramic glass roof and its capacity to open. It was excellent whereas parked subsequent to the ocean.
• The VF 8 beeped at me method an excessive amount of. Whether or not it was lane maintain help, pace restrict warnings, or one thing else, VinFast’s EV was continuously yelling at me. Not a fan of that.
• Regardless of the low vary on the Metropolis Version VF 8 Plus, I discovered its vitality utilization fairly environment friendly and had no worries about vary in my 3+ hours journey round city.

Electrek’s take

I’ve personally been on the VinFast beat since October of 2021, when the automaker introduced it was coming to the US. Since then, I’ve been in contact with its staff, stayed within the information loop, and even tried to go to Vietnam thrice with out luck as a consequence of my schedule.

For sure, I’ve been wanting ahead to the chance to talk with executives at VinFast (a lot of that are feminine by the way in which, which we like to see) and expertise the VF 8 first hand. Following my time inside and outside of the car, I believe the corporate is off to a superb begin. The core design is there – however there’s room for enchancment in lots of parts of EV design.

The extra highly effective battery pack ought to go a great distance with US customers, as a result of any EV with an EPA below 200 miles most likely received’t get a re-evaluation. Is that sufficient vary for the typical driver? Most likely, however the shopper market isn’t privy sufficient to vary wants and driving habits but, sadly.

Worth could be a problem – particularly since VinFast is a nearly unknown model within the nation. I had a number of individuals in San Diego ask me concerning the EV whereas I used to be taking footage, however I used to be nonetheless getting loads of confusion about what it truly was and was requested what stage of gasoline mileage it will get though I clearly said it was electrical. We’ve bought an extended solution to go individuals.

The guarantee program is a slam dunk for my part, particularly the protection of the battery and the truth that its transferrable to new house owners. Effectively achieved.

Whereas we had been on the occasion, VinFast has a VF 9 on show – its subsequent EV coming to the US. I believe this one goes to do properly with US customers – VinFast’s most essential market in response to North American CEO Van Anh Nguyen.

Simply it, I observed a number of enhancements in comparison with the VF 8, together with flush door handles, energy shades on the home windows, and a reasonably vital wheelbase. It’s a low journey too – excellent for households, pets, and people with disabilities.

With three extra fashions (VF 9, VF 6 and VF 7) anticipated to achieve the US market earlier than yr’s finish, VinFast continues to earn the second half of its title. I simply fear that it’s transferring so shortly that it’ll have issue going again and making design and efficiency enhancements crucial to really stand out in a rising EV market. The VF 8 is a good begin, however VinFast might want to ship extra at a greater value to really collect the piece of the US market its focusing on.

Subsequent, I’m very a lot wanting ahead to getting my palms on a Normal VF 8 and am simply as excited concerning the incoming VF 9. I’ll be sure you report again when these drive inevitably occur.